SCI with Polygraph

General Dynamics Information Technology•Chantilly, VA

8d•$164,382 - $218,500•Onsite

About The Position

We are seeking a senior AI Engineer to lead the design, development, and secure integration of AI and machine learning capabilities into mission systems operating on classified networks. This is a hands-on technical leadership role: you will establish the architectural patterns, governance alignment, and engineering standards for AI-enabled features across the program, and grow a small team over time. You will work directly with program leadership, government stakeholders, and security/accreditation authorities to deliver AI capabilities that are effective, auditable, and compliant within a high-side environment.

Requirements

Active TS/SCI with polygraph
8+ years of professional software development experience (or 6+ with a relevant advanced degree), including 3+ years building or integrating ML/AI capabilities
Expert-level Python; working proficiency in at least one additional language (JavaScript/TypeScript, Java, or similar)
Demonstrated experience deploying or serving LLMs or ML models in disconnected, on-premises, or government cloud environments (Azure Government, AWS GovCloud, or equivalent)
Practical experience with model inference, embeddings, vector search, and prompt engineering in production systems
Experience with containerization (Docker/Kubernetes or equivalent) and CI/CD in restricted environments
Strong understanding of data security, classification handling, and responsible AI practices
Proven ability to work directly with government customers and translate mission requirements into technical solutions

Nice To Haves

Experience supporting RMF accreditation or AO engagement for AI/ML systems
Familiarity with open-weight model deployment (Llama, Mistral, or similar) and model quantization/optimization for constrained hardware
Experience with ML frameworks (PyTorch preferred)
Prior work on IC or DoD programs; NRO experience a significant plus
Experience standing up or leading a small engineering team

Responsibilities

Architect, build, and maintain AI-enabled applications and services within air-gapped and government cloud environments
Deploy, serve, and tune large language models and ML models on-premises or in accredited cloud enclaves (no external API dependency)
Design retrieval-augmented generation (RAG) pipelines and embedding workflows over controlled data sets, with appropriate data handling and classification controls
Operationalize the program's AI governance framework: model capability tiering, use-case approval workflow, rules of engagement, and audit/logging requirements
Support security accreditation activities, including AO engagement, RMF documentation inputs, and responsible AI evidence
Build and optimize data pipelines feeding AI-driven features; integrate with existing program systems and workflows
Establish code quality, testing, and documentation standards for the AI engineering function; mentor mid-level developers as the team grows
Brief technical approach and results to program leadership and government customers

Benefits

AI-powered career tool that identifies career steps and learning opportunities
An internal mobility team focused on helping you achieve your career goals
Comprehensive benefits and wellness packages
401K with company match
Competitive pay and paid time off
Variety of medical plan options, some with Health Savings Accounts
Dental plan options
Vision plan
401(k) plan offering the ability to contribute both pre and post-tax dollars up to the IRS annual limits and receive a company match
Full flex work weeks where possible
Variety of paid time off plans, including vacation, sick and personal time, holidays, paid parental, military, bereavement and jury duty leave
Short and long-term disability benefits
Life, accidental death and dismemberment, personal accident, critical illness and business travel and accident insurance